The “What” of Studying 📚
Studying refers to the time students spend going over material they have covered in class. It involves concentrating and reviewing in order to gain knowledge by reading, investigating, practising and reflecting.
Where Do I Start?
- Use your notes in hardback copies or on Teams
- Look back over past tests
- Complete homework to the best of your ability and learn from your efforts
- Use revision questions at the end of each chapter
- Practise oral language with friends or family
- Revise regularly for tests
- Learn from mistakes and teacher feedback
Creating a Timetable
Make a timetable for the subjects and topics you want to cover each week.
Break study into manageable blocks, for example:
- 30 minutes study, followed by a 5 minute break
- 40 minutes study, followed by a 10 minute break
- 50 minutes study, followed by a 10 minute break
Reward yourself by doing something you enjoy. Doing things you like can help you stay motivated and positive.
Weekly Study Plan
A weekly study plan is essential. It may suit you to study two subjects in depth each night so that every subject is covered at least once during the week. Your plan should also be flexible enough to allow for unexpected events.
We recommend the following study times, including homework:
- 1st Year: Around one and a half hours per night
- 2nd and 5th Year: Between two and three hours per night
- 3rd and 6th Year: At least three hours per night
Students often feel that homework leaves little time for study. This is where flexibility is important. Time can be borrowed from study one evening and made up later in the week when homework is lighter.
- Homework should be completed on the night it is assigned
- Good time management is important because exam questions must be answered within strict time limits
- Good study habits are built through routine and by giving each subject equal attention
- Students should have one day off at the weekend, although some weekend time can be used for reading, revising notes or preparing for tests
Where Is Best to Study?
- The library, either in school or in town
- Your bedroom, with as few distractions as possible
- Evening Study in school, with support from teachers and other students
- A family member’s home, a neighbour’s house or with a family friend
- Outside, during fine weather
Try to study in the same place each day.
Your study space should be:
- Quiet
- Warm and comfortable
- Well lit
- Set up with a bulletin board, books and folders nearby
Avoid distractions such as phones, iPads, loud music or people talking.
